Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2018 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

We waited to see what this very early harvest would produce... And we saw... Indeed, one cannot help but be seduced by the deep, mouthwatering nose. The cashmere-like mouthfeel precedes a superfine chalky texture that perfectly stretches the tannins, carrying the wine to a fresh, floral finish. Undoubtedly the greatest Troplong in the history of the 21st century.

About the estate:

Crowning the Côte Pavie, this 27-hectare vineyard has suffered less erosion than all the other Saint-Emilion crus. The uniqueness of this single-block terroir lies in its particular location, as well as its powerful, very dense clay soils, originating from the Agenais region and dotted with stones and pebbles. Its former owner, Catherine Valette-Pariente, who passed away in 2014, had restored Troplong Mondot to its former glory. It was bought in 2017 by the reinsurer Scor. The property was then entrusted to Aymeric de Gironde, who ran Cos d'Estournel, one of the most prominent classified growths in the Médoc. To give the wine more nuance and freshness, Aymeric, who is originally from Charente, changed the winemaking process as soon as he arrived: a gentler method based on the infusion of marc and raw materials, and a reduction in the use of new barrels were the first adjustments made. To better showcase the vineyard plots, a new winery is under construction: this new facility will allow for greater precision in all technical operations. It will also enable the latest land acquisitions to be better utilized, whether Clos Labarde or Bellisle-Mondotte, neighboring vineyards that will initially be used for the second wine. In 2020, as part of this new concept, the restaurant is set to reopen with the same Michelin-starred chef, David Charrier. The 2017 and 2018 vintages mark the arrival of a fresher, more accessible style.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Troplong Mondot 2018 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with an alcohol content of 15%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass, like a giant awakening, and unfurls an imposing bouquet of candied plums, blueberry pie, and morello cherries, with sweeter scents of violet, star anise, fruitcake, and cast iron skillet. The palate is concentrated and full-bodied, with impressive purity and liveliness of fruit, mingled with richer, riper notes, supported by firm, velvety tannins. It finishes with a lovely freshness and a lingering iron note. This wine is not only delicious, it is also very interesting. 2025-2050

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Following the death of its owner, Christine Valette-Pariente, in 2014, Troplong-Mondot, which occupies the most dominant position in Saint-Emilion, seems to be questioning its future. "Queen Christine" and her husband Xavier embodied the renaissance of this estate, which was confirmed in 2012 with its classification as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B. This was a well-deserved reward, not only for the terroir, but also for the work carried out by Christine and Xavier Pariente over more than twenty years. All the vintages produced since the late 1980s (1989 and 1990 in particular) have pushed the boundaries to demonstrate the excellence of this estate located on the Mondot hill. A page has been turned, one that will have marked the contemporary history of Saint-Emilion. It should be noted that the château offers an excellent restaurant in a personal and refined setting and magnificent guest rooms (Les Belles Perdrix).

Vinous

About wine:

Troplong Mondot 2018 will surprise readers who haven't tasted these wines in a few years. With a breathtaking aromatic presence, the 2018 is silky, medium-bodied, and very refined. Once again, I am blown away by the absolute precision of this wine. Cabernets account for only 15% of the blend, yet this 2018 is so strongly marked by floral and savory accents. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, rose petal, and lavender develop in the glass. This 2018 is majestic, refined, and absolutely exquisite. 2028-2043

James Suckling

About wine:

This is a very linear yet complex red wine, revealing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black truffle, bark, and stone. There are also notes of chalk and minerality. It is full-bodied and well-structured, with magnificent intensity and freshness. Muscular, it has remarkable structure and brilliance. The finish has salty and savory notes. Try it after 2024.

Yves Beck

About wine:

The 2018 vintage reveals freshness above all else! It sets the tone, so to speak, and quickly distances itself from everything we know about 2018 (the heat, the mildew, etc.). It follows its own path, starting with the freshness of red berries and even garrigue! On the palate, the wine is dense but also slender; it's a paradox, but the result is convincing because the muscle and tension channel the concentration. Ultimately, the wine is harmonious and ready to stand the test of time. A great success. 2028-2053

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About wine:

Concentrated, full-bodied, deep, and opulent in texture, it displays great elegance and beautiful balance. It is rich and powerful, yet symmetrical. The purity of the fruit and freshness are the key words that define its character. This wine is destined to evolve over three decades and will be at its best after a decade of aging. The wine is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc.